Mountains vs. the beach

[ski diva]

I have friends who characterize themselves as "mountain people", or "beach people" (this can be any sort of water -- ocean, lake, etc), based on whichever they prefer. Obviously, in the winter I love the mountains. Heck, I love them all year round. But I also love the beach. I grew up at the shore, and it's in my blood.

So if you leave skiing out of the equation (because we all know how we feel about skiing) which would you say you are -- a mountain person or a beach person?

 

[Lilgeorg]

Mountains,mountains,mountains.

The only time I like the shore is early in the morning or just before sunset. I burn like a piece od bacon. We do start the hang gliding season flying off the dunes at Kitty Hawk, but that is my only concession to the shore.

Now the mountains... beautiful in every season. We will be hiking the Alaska range in June with our Alaskan family. We fly from the mountains in New York all summer. we sit and look at the Green Mountains from our deck all summer and fall. Oh yes, its the mountains for me!

 

[Jilly]

Well my beach is in the mountains. The best of both worlds. Our cottage is on a spring fed lake with the Madawaska valley hills around it. But skiing is over 1 hour away, so that's why we stay at Tremblant for the winter. Also Hubby and I live a couple of blocks from the Bay of Quinte, so water is all around us. In 20 minutes I can have our boats in Lake Ontario. It's a great place to live in the summer.

 

[Gloria]

Ocean dreamer

I would have to classify myself as a mountain person because that is where I have always lived. But...I would love to spend more time at the ocean, would love to surf, hang out in the sand instead of rocky shores for a change, but can't complain. I have been fortunate to have lived where I have.

 

[NannyMin]

I couldn't possibly choose. I love them both! To me they bring out completely different emotions, when I need to feel peaceful I migrate towards the ocean and when I need joy/freedom the mountains are the choice for me.

 

[Lola]

Mountains - definitely mountains.

At the beach, I burn easily because I am fair skinned. And I hate the fact that sand gets everwhere - between my toes, in my bathing suit, in my hair, under my fingernails - yuck.

So, I'm definitely a mountain gal, and I actually love to climb to the top of a tall range and sit and look out on the world at the beautiful view.

 

[persee]

Hrm... I like both... though not the "beach" persay... I could never take a vacation that revolved around beaches. I like the water - have to live near it and finally do - well 15minutes away from the ocean.

Probably part of the reason I'm not a "beach" person, but rather a "water" person (as well as a mountain person) is that I'm very fair skinned. I used to burn like a lobster, then for a time I could get a slight tan, and for the last 6+ years I sun poison! :( I think it's also because I'm too active. I can't sit still for long enough to laze around on a beach.

 

[ski now work later]

I am also fair skinned and both of my parents are from Russian backgrounds. I've always gravitated toward Northern climates and winter sports and am much more tolerant of cold than heat. Definately a mountain person, though the beach (especially Pacific and Carribean beaches) are really amazing places, preferably in the early mornings and late afternoon/early evenings when the sun is less strong....

 

[abc]

Unlike most divas here, I have skin that tans easily and I rarely get burn. Still, that doesn't make me a beach person.

In fact, I'm not even sure I like any sort of beach. I have trouble understanding the "beach" mentality. Sure, it's lovely to look at, for about 5 minutes! ;)

Don't get me wrong, I can be happy at the beach for a vacation. But I wouldn't choose to live there. I simply don't "get it". Water simply lacks...contrast, texture!

The best, I have to agree, is a mountain lake, preferably in the northeast. I can just envision the fall color on the hillside reflecting off the sparkling water... But I don't have to imagine it, all I have to do is walk about 2 minutes from one of my house.

 

[SnowHot]

I wish I could say Mountain, but I live in a state that is surrounded by water..........kinda breeds a love of water sports, and I am no exception.

DH skiing is my first love and can not be surpassed by any other activity in my life, but when the warm weather hits, its time to get the bathing suit out, the bike tuned up and the golf clubs ready to go.

 

[nelsapbm]

Mountains. I'm not much of a beach person. I don't like the sand & salt water. I do however like the ocean - sailing, looking at it/listening too it, etc.

 

[Kimmyt]

I use this categorization for people too!

I'm most definitely a mountain person.

 

[num]

I love the mountains. I LOVE water. Large bodies of freshwater. Ideally, I'd have both. As it stands, I live a block and a half walk from Lake Michigan and love it.

 

[num]

I agree with persee on there being a difference between "beach" and "water".

Where I swim, instead of sand there are huge limestone rocks.

Here it is in the winter:

Here's a summer pic:

 

[Native Vail Gal]

I couldn't possibly choose. I love them both! To me they bring out completely different emotions, when I need to feel peaceful I migrate towards the ocean and when I need joy/freedom the mountains are the choice for me.

Good Lord, Nanny! You are my soul mate!!!!!!:D DITTO!!!!

 

[joycemocha]

Mountain girl. Definitely. After the mountains, the desert. Preferably desert mountains.

Oceans...mold. Allergies. Sneeze. Not my idea of fun.

 

[Sheena]

Like abc, I have olive skin and tan easy, but not quite a beach person.

I am a mountain girl all the way! I just do not like the beach. I just get so bored lying on the beach and I hate wading/swimming in the ocean.

 

[NannyMin]

Good Lord, Nanny! You are my soul mate!!!!!!:D DITTO!!!!

Too funny NVG! I can't wait to meet you!

 

[Ski Spirit]

I love both the mountains and the beach. I feel the same way as Nanny Min and NVG.....although, for me, it's more like skiing is synonymous with joy and freedom (partly because of the beauty of the mountains, partly because of the surrender and exhiliration that comes with skiing. I also associate the beach with peace and serenity (water in general).

 

[lozz]

I have nothing against the beach, but I dont like sitting still on a holiday when you can explore the area, especially if its under the water scuba diving. However I have to say I am a mountain person, apart from obviously for skiing, I love walking and mountain biking. Although I have to be honest and say that being English when living in England I only ever went up hills of a few thousand metres, never a mountain.

I love the view from the top and the fresh cold air - sorry back to skiing, but you gotta love them!